Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo (Creamy & Easy Dinner)

If you love pasta night as much as I do, this Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo will quickly become a family favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and comes together so quickly that I often make it on busy weeknights. The best part? You don’t need to babysit the stove — the Instant Pot does all the work while you set the table.

I’ve made plenty of Alfredo recipes before, like my Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Alfredo, but there’s something extra comforting about tossing shrimp with silky Alfredo sauce. If you’re exploring more Instant Pot recipes, this one is a must-try!

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What You’ll Need

When I first started making this, I was surprised at how simple the ingredients really are. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp – peeled and deveined; I like large shrimp because they hold up nicely.
• Fettuccine pasta – classic for Alfredo, but you can swap with linguine.
• Heavy cream – gives that luscious creamy base.
• Butter – adds depth and richness.
• Garlic – fresh is best here, it really makes the sauce pop.
• Parmesan cheese – freshly grated if possible for the best flavor.
• Chicken broth – helps cook the pasta evenly.
• Salt & black pepper – adjust to taste.

I also keep my trusty Instant Pot nearby for this recipe. If you’re already a fan of multi-cooker meals, you might also like these Pressure Cooker Pork Chops — they’re just as simple and satisfying.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo

This dish comes together in a few quick steps. I’ve learned some tricks along the way to make sure it turns out perfectly creamy every time. You’ll be serving dinner in no time!

Step 1 — Sauté garlic and butter

Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter, then add garlic. Stir just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic — I’ve made that mistake before, and it turns bitter fast!

Step 2 — Add pasta and broth

Break the fettuccine in half and place it in a crisscross pattern to avoid sticking. Pour in the chicken broth. Give it a light press so the pasta is submerged, but don’t stir too much.

Step 3 — Pressure cook the pasta

Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release the steam once done. At this point, the pasta should be just tender.

Step 4 — Stir in cream and cheese

Switch back to sauté mode. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan. The sauce will start to thicken and coat the pasta beautifully.

Step 5 — Add the shrimp

Finally, stir in the shrimp. They cook quickly — about 2–3 minutes is all you need until they turn pink and plump. Don’t overcook, or they’ll get rubbery.

For a fun side dish pairing, I sometimes serve this with a light salad and my Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp for a little surf-and-surf dinner twist.

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Pro Tips & Easy Swaps

• Use fresh shrimp if you can, but frozen works too (just thaw first).
• Swap fettuccine for penne or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
• For extra richness, stir in a bit of cream cheese with the Parmesan.
• If the sauce feels too thick, loosen with a splash of broth.
• Love veggies? Toss in spinach or broccoli at the end.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with extra cream.

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Serving Ideas & Variations

This dish feels like a treat, but it’s flexible enough for everyday dinners. I like to serve it with:

• A crisp Caesar salad.
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus.
• Garlic bread (because more carbs is always a win in my house).
• A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp for brightness.
• Grilled chicken instead of shrimp, if seafood isn’t your thing.
• A sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.

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Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• Burn notice on the Instant Pot: Usually from not enough liquid — make sure the pasta is pressed down into the broth.
• Sauce too runny: Let it simmer on sauté mode a bit longer to thicken.
• Overcooked shrimp: Add shrimp at the very end; they only need a few minutes.
• Clumpy pasta: Layer pasta in a crisscross pattern before pressure cooking to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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You’ll Also Love

If you enjoyed this dish, you might also like:

• Instant Pot Chicken Curry — cozy, spiced, and family-friendly.
• Instant Pot Vegetable Soup — a lighter option that’s perfect for meal prep.
• Instant Pot Oatmeal — creamy breakfasts made easy.

And don’t forget to check out more comforting Instant Pot recipes for everyday inspiration.